Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc

Envy Wines

red wine pouring into wine glass pixabay

The origins of Envy Wines trace back to the mid-1980s, with the construction of the historic Carter House Victorian. As the small bed and breakfast attracted a growing number of guests from cities across the West Coast, the addition of the Hotel Carter and the highly regarded Restaurant 301 became necessary to accommodate the demand. To enhance the dining experience, Mark Carter began assembling what would become a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list. His curation included some of the world's finest wines, from first-growth Bordeaux to top Napa Cabernet and lesser-known gems, making the list truly exceptional. The restaurant's acclaim and its impressive wine list allowed Mark to host winemaker dinners featuring prominent figures such as Dan Duckhorn and Nils Venge.

During these events, Mark and Nils developed a close friendship, united by their deep passion for exceptional wines. Mark's ambition to create his own wine label, Carter Cellars, aimed to produce the best Napa Cabernet possible. Nils Venge, renowned for earning the first “perfect score” on a domestic wine from Robert M. Parker Jr. in 1985 while at Groth, was seen as the ideal partner for this pursuit of excellence.

In 2006, Mark and Nils found a permanent home for Carter Cellars and established Envy Winery on Tubbs Lane in Calistoga. The 17-acre property focuses on estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Over the years, Envy Wines has grown steadily and now produces nearly 2,500 cases annually, utilizing grapes from their estate vineyard as well as select vineyards throughout Napa Valley.

Like many of the smaller Napa vineyards, this one had a distinct personality. From the beautifully appointed tasting and event rooms to the hip staff and owner to the funny little chihuahua statue (I'll let you find him) the message was clear: we're serious and knowlegable about good wine but we also know how to laugh. Very different from some of the huge vineyards which can be awfully serious. Definitely make this stop when checking out Calistoga. The 2010 Calistoga Estate Cabernet Sauvignon at $48. This is 100% Cab. An appealing bright purplish in color, it had a very nice aroma of black cherry, smoke and vanilla. Smooth and fresh on the palate, it was mostly black cherry with some vanilla. The finish was quite long with cherry, lingering tannins and spice.

Hart's Desire Wines

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Hart's Desire had absolutely exceptional wines, and very many at that. They had a lot of varietals that you rarely find elsewhere in Sonoma County except for in blends, such as Malbec, Claret, and Cabernet Franc. Their tasting room has beautiful artwork and has an old school jukebox playing great tunes!

Dutton Estate Winery

wine by fireplace - Pixabay

This is the place to go if you want some good valued Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot. I really liked their $20 per couple cheese and wine pairing. The people were very friendly and laid back which really fit this wonderful boutique cozy winery.

Maurice Car'rie Vineyards & Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - women enjoying wine

We ate at the kitchen first which was absolutely delicious. I never ever thought I would eat some tomato bisque. Yummy. Then walked next door to the tasting room and used our 2 for 1 coupons and started tasting. Donna was a very good host and was able to be attentive to everyone. She was Explaining what all wines were that we drank. And also offered some suggestions. Nice. The winery is very nice which have a kitchen next door. 

Ultimate Vineyards, situated in the heart of Temecula Valley wine country, produces wines primarily from its 75-acre estate vineyard. This vineyard benefits from a unique combination of geological and topographical features that result in fruit with exceptional intensity, weight, and richness. Positioned in the bed of the ancient Santa Margarita River, the vineyard has accumulated millennia of sediment deposits. It also rests in a natural geological bowl, where cooler nighttime air drifts in and settles, preserving higher levels of acidity and tannins in the grapes. The ample sunshine, combined with gentle ocean breezes, helps the grapes develop deep color and sugars.

The vineyard’s soil, mostly sandy loam, offers excellent drainage but has low organic matter due to limited rainfall. To foster "Living Soils," Ultimate Vineyards enhances soil health through annual applications of organic compost, inoculation with beneficial microbes, and the planting of nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Their philosophy centers on creating a thriving, healthy ecosystem in the soil to promote better vine growth, more consistent ripening, and higher quality grapes. To achieve this, Ultimate Vineyards avoids the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides on their soils.

 

Merry Edwards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

The tasting experience was very informative. And a little formal. The host takes you into their tasting room and closes the doors for total immersion. The tasting is really all about the wine and educating visitors of the history of the label. Great stop for very classy wine! Not so much for relaxing and lounging.

Crazy Woman Cellars

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

The inspiration for the name comes from the winemaker's former mother-in-law, who raised four daughters as a single woman on a homestead in Mendocino County during the 1970s. They lived in a sheep barn without plumbing, windows, or doors, surrounded by pot growers who frequently encroached on their property. Defending her family with a six-shooter, she soon became known as "The Crazy Woman" and was widely respected in the community for her fearlessness. The winery aims to honor the countless women who have changed history while facing the label of being called crazy.

The winery is excited to host tastings in the barrel room, located in the Tin City Annex, where the wine is produced. This immersive experience will include tastings of wines in bottle alongside barrel tastings, allowing guests to see how the wines are made and enjoy an individual tasting experience.

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski

Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard

grape vine with grapes - Randy Caparoso

When Bennie Cassara first set foot on this mountain top retreat he knew this was the place for which he had been looking. Bennie a brick mason by trade was busy running his Masonry construction company in Orange County California, but he was looking for a place where he and his could get away from the daily grind. It was in 1990 the first vines were planted on the tiny hilltop estate. Bennie Cassara chose Pinot Noir grapes at the urging of his friend Brian Babcock of the Babcock Winery. Brian told Bennie his property would be the perfect growing environment for Pinot Noir grapes, this variatal is grown on hillsides in France, and Brian knew the combination of warm days and cool foggy nights would be perfect. Much of the rest of the story is in the glass.

Peter Michael Winery

wine dancing in the glass - Pixabay

n 1982 Sir Peter Michael established the Peter Michael winery on a square mile of rocky volcanic ridges that form the western face of Mount St. Helena in Sonoma County. From the beginning, the wine growing philosophy was modeled on the French tradition infused with a few modern influences: One, the vineyard terroir would be the single most important feature. Two, the wines would be elegant rather than overstated. Three, there would be a hundred-year commitment to the development of a great estate. Given this commitment to the product, only a limited quantity will ever be made. The winery estate is a breath of fresh air, a place I LOVE to visit and a view worth the trip. You must be on their mailing list to enjoy a Tasting/Tour. Next time I have a tasting, I am hoping to try some of their Chardonnay.

Kelham Vineyards

red wine swirling and dancing in the glass - Pixabay

So, you're in Napa for a long weekend or maybe even a wallet-draining week. There's plenty of choices to feed your wine fix. This charming little vineyard absolutely, positively needs to make your "must visit" list. No tasting room. No walk ins. No boutique to purchase a variety of goods while visiting. You need to call, make an appointment, and then prepare yourself for a truly personal wine experience given where the family that grows it presents their five or six well-done sophisticated wines.

Baron Herzog Wine Cellars

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

A Heritage of Passion

Upon examining the Herzog label, one can discern the drive, passion, and rich history that spans nine generations, bringing the family to its current esteemed position. From the courts of Kaiser Franz Joseph of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, through a Europe ravaged by war, to the bustling streets of New York City, and finally to the sun-drenched vineyards of California, the Herzog story is a testament to a family's enduring commitment to their Jewish identity and their belief in the promise of America.

Welcome to Herzog Wine Cellars

In a world where many produce wine, some create good wine, and only a select few offer a truly great wine experience, Herzog Wine Cellars stands apart. Here, great California wine is not just a claim; it is a tradition.

With 150 years of winemaking heritage, the Herzog family takes immense pride in every bottle produced. Their commitment to excellence is unwavering, reflecting a legacy built on passion and quality that resonates with wine enthusiasts everywhere.

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